School of Social Work

Social Work is about helping people-children, families, older adults, and whole communities. The social work program prepares students for entry level professional positions in a diversity of public and private settings, including child advocacy and welfare, children and youth counseling, school social work, medical social work, church social work, missions, foster care and adoptions, geriatric social work, and mental health. The program prepares students to empower people, particularly those who are vulnerable, to achieve a better "fit" with their world and to help the world to be more responsive to the needs of people. The program emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts foundation and of Christian and social work values that promote social and economic justice. READ MORE

The major also emphasizes preparation for graduate study. Graduates from the BSW program are eligible to apply for advanced standing in graduate programs leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

School of Social Work Mission Statement

The School of Social Work educates and equips comptent, compassionate, and effective social workers to be transformative leaders who enhance human well-being and promote social justice.

BSW Mission Statement

The Bachelor of Social Work program prepares competent and effective professionals for leadership in generalist practice. In a context of Christian higher education, the program fosters
compassionate service, promotes social and economic justice, and equips students for excellence in social work practice.

Student Organizations

Phi Alpha, National Honor Society for Social Work Students, Eta Phi Chapter, fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. Social Work majors with an overall GPA of 3.4 and a GPA of 3.7 in social work courses are invited to become members. Students become eligible for membership at the end of their Junior year in the Social Work Program.

Social Work Reaches Out is for students majoring in social work and for those interested in social work.The organization assists in developing professional social work identity and provides an opportunity to be involved in volunteer community social service. Social service opportunities include child mentoring and advocacy,nursing home activities,community organizing,and resource development. The organization gives students regular opportunity to interact with others having similar interests.

Past News

10/3/2012 - Social work majors combine coursework with community service

4/19/2012 - Mentoring Coalition declares April 22 as day of prayer for city’s youth

Additional News

6/5/2013 -
Life in the Balance - Unionite Story on Social Work major Astrid Huttemann

5/10/2013 -
North Mississippi State Hospital (NMSH) in Tupelo. Ms. names BSW graduate 2012 Employee of the Year

Recent Photos

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X-Large2/27/15 - 24830Virginia Schwindt, associate professor of social work and MSW field director, explains the study abroad opportunity for social work students during the External Study Fair. - Kristi McMurry Woody

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X-Large10/4/14 - 24228Rebecca Leon, senior social work major, participates in the International Food and Art Festival parade held in downtown Jackson. - MiKalla Cotton

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X-Large9/29/14 - 24171Families and friends release balloons for their loved ones at the Remember Me Commemorative Walk for Homicide Loss Survivors on the Great Lawn. - MiKalla Cotton

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X-Large9/29/14 - 24170Families and friends from the community and the university release balloons on the Great Lawn at the end the Remember Me Commemorative Walk for Homicide Loss Survivors. - MiKalla Cotton